A raccoon has 38 chromosomes in each of its somatic cells. How many chromosomes did the raccoon inherit from each parent? How many chromosomes are in each of the raccoon's gametes? How many chromosomes will be in each somatic cell of the raccoon's offspring?

19 chromosomes from each parent.

Number of chromosomes in gametes: 19

Number of chromosomes in somatic cells of offspring = 38

Explanation:

In sexually reproducing organisms, both mother and father contribute an equal number of chromosomes to the progeny via gametes. The egg and sperm cells carry maternal and paternal chromosomes to the zygote which develops into the young ones.

According to the given information, somatic cells of the raccoon have 38 chromosomes. This means that 38/2 = 19 chromosomes were contributed by each of the parents. The diploid germ cells of the raccoon with 38 chromosomes will undergo meiosis for gamete formation and each of the gametes would have 19 chromosomes.

The fusion of male and female gametes each with 19 chromosomes will form a zygote with 38 chromosomes. Therefore, the progeny would have 38 chromosomes in the somatic cells.